Understanding Benefits

Responsible Investing

Through the ELCA Pension and Other Benefits Program, Portico strives to empower members to live well for life — physically, financially, and emotionally. By living well as whole people of God, we can better enhance the lives of others — doing God’s work in Christ’s name for the sake of the world.

Make Or Break a Habit During Lent

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What if You Changed Just One Thing About the Way You Eat?

Consider this successful wellness activity for your congregation’s Lenten journey. Draw on prayer practices and mutual support to experience how one change can improve your health and, in turn, deepen your ability to live out your faith.

Choose One Habit to Make or Break

Eat Prayerfully — Give thanks before each meal. Eat at the table, not in the car, at the computer or TV. Chew thoroughly. Pause to savor colors, flavors, smells. Why? Slowing down can promote gratitude, discovery, relaxation, and potentially even weight loss.

Track What You Consume — Tracking your meals and snacks can help you spot problem areas and stay accountable to goals. Keep a record of everything you eat and drink using one of these popular tools or another method of your choice:

Fuel Up With a Healthy Breakfast — Eating breakfast can help you manage your weight and avoid overeating later in the day. Start your day with a variety of whole grains, low-fat protein, low-fat dairy, fruits, or veggies.

Quit Processed Foods — Processed foods are often loaded with fat, sugar, calories, and salt ― with few vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, or other nutrients. Eat fresh or frozen food in its natural state. Plan meals in advance. Avoid the middle of the grocery store where many convenience foods are shelved.

Go Sugar-Free — Refined sugar has no nutritional value and contributes to obesity, yet it’s increasingly part of the American diet. Eliminate foods with more than a tiny amount of added sugar, such as desserts, condiments, and sweetened drinks. Satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh fruit.

This information should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional health care advice. By providing this information, Portico Benefit Services is not providing any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Each individual is responsible for his or her own health and medical treatment decisions. You should talk with your doctor to determine the lifestyle changes and health care treatment options appropriate for you.

Contacts

Portico Customer Care Center

Plan member rights under the plans are governed by the plan documents, which are the full, legal descriptions of the plans. If any of the information on this page is inconsistent with the corresponding plan document, the plan document is the controlling document.